My Rooftop Tour of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is one of the most known cathedrals, and is, for many pilgrims, the end of their pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. It is believed that the remains of the apostle Saint James the Great are safeguarded in the cathedral. I have been inside the cathedral more than 30 times, opting to spend hours sitting and reflecting on my many journeys to this amazing location.

During my second journey and volunteering experience in Santiago, I opted to take the rooftop tour offered throughout the day in multiple languages. I must admit I had no idea that such tours were available, and it seems other well-known cathedrals such as Milan’s Duomo, Exeter’s, St. Peter’s, St. Stephen’s and Seville Cathedrals.

On the day we took the tour, the sun was strong and the temperature so high I could feel the heat of the roof through my sneakers. We were warned not to sit or touch the stones for fear of burns. Our group was small and the tour guide asked how many of us were pilgrims. Turned out most of us were, and those who were not heard a lot about the Camino during the tour.

Our first stop was inside the cathedral on the gallery level where, in medieval days, pilgrims slept. The location provided a beautiful bird’s eye view of the central nave.

Upon completion of our ascent to the rooftop, we were met with amazing views of the area, including a one of the Plaza De Platerias.

The architecture of this cathedral is quite amazing. The first stone of the present cathedral was placed in 1075. The cathedral consecrated in 1211. The cathedral was expanded and embellished with additions in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries and is currently undergoing extensive restoration.

The cathedral is of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural style. It was built mostly in granite. I was quite surprised to see random plants and flowers growing in various corners and surfaces.

The photo on the left is a fire pit where, in medieval times, pilgrims would burn their one robe, and were given a replacement robe for their walk back to their home. The robes were sewn by the local nuns who took care of the pilgrims during their stay in Santiago. The photo on the right shows the back of the Western facade with the statue of St. James with his cloak and staff.

If you ever find yourself in Santiago, I hope you get the chance to take the rooftop tour. It is one of the best tours I have taken in Spain.

Have you taken any cathedral or church rooftop tours? Tell us about it!

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apptraveler

Retired exec consultant who traveled for more than 4 decades, both corporate and leisure.
I appreciate my travel experience and want to share tips, photos and stories with readers! I live in Ottawa Canada and have traveled to 31 countries.

Hi Nancy, this was my first rooftop tour – and if I’m ever in a city that has rooftop tours, I will certainly take those tours – it gives a great different perspective of the city! Thanks for your comments

Hi Jessica, so excited to read that you are headed to Spain next year, please let me know if you have any questions – I’ve spent some time there, and I really like to share my experiences with readers. Thanks for your comments, and if you can remember, let me know where you went and what you saw! Viva Espana!

Your trip to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is incredible! The photos are completely inspiring! I can only image what you would really feel experiencing this first hand. A roof top tour and the perspective would be a forever memory!

Hi Brandi, Thanks for your comments. If you have any questions about Spain, please let me know. I’m far from being an expert, but having walked the northern part multiple times, and studied there when I was younger, I have some knowledge to share. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, and have a great trip!